Nuclear Waste: Change in Test Strategy Sound, but DOE Overstated Savings

Pursuant to a congressional request, GAO reviewed the Department of Energy's (DOE) decision to abandon underground testing of nuclear wastes at its Waste Isolation Pilot Plant (WIPP) in favor of laboratory-based tests, focusing on whether: (1) the decision is scientifically sound; and (2) DOE projected cost and time savings estimates are realistic.